The castle served as a strategic fortification during the Middle Ages due to its location on the border of the Duchy of Cleves and the Bishopric of Münster.
The interior contains one of the largest private art collections in North Rhine-Westphalia, featuring works by Rembrandt and Gerard ter Borch.
The landscape park includes a 'Biotopwildpark' featuring local wildlife species in their natural habitat.
The library wing houses rare historical maps that document the changing borders of the Lower Rhine region.
The castle is completely surrounded by water, necessitating the use of historical stone bridges for access.
Parts of the estate are utilized as a hotel and wedding venue, distinguishing it from strictly static museum sites.
Museum Wasserburg Anholt is one of the largest moated castles in Germany, situated in the town of Isselburg near the Dutch border. The site features a comprehensive collection of art from the Princely Salm-Salm family, displayed within preserved historical interiors. The castle is surrounded by a sprawling 42-hectare landscape park designed in the English style, incorporating both formal gardens and woodlands. It remains a private residence of the Salm-Salm dynasty, which has managed the estate for centuries. Visitors can tour the library, which contains an extensive collection of historical texts and cartography. The castle grounds also house a museum dedicated to historical hunting and falconry artifacts. Much of the castle was reconstructed following significant damage during World War II. The estate grounds are accessible to the public, functioning as both a cultural repository and a botanical site.
The view from the main bridge spanning the moat, looking back toward the primary facade of the castle.
Prioritize a walk through the 42-hectare park as it requires significant time separate from the castle interior tour.
Check the official website for seasonal events, as the grounds often host specialized botanical and historical exhibitions.
Bring comfortable walking shoes suitable for gravel paths and uneven terrain within the gardens.
Do not attempt to enter private sections of the castle not designated as part of the public museum tour.
The museum and park are generally closed on Mondays during the off-season; check for potential winter closures of the interior tour.
Maintain silence in the art galleries and refrain from photography inside the private historical rooms.
